Bangkok governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra might be forced to resign over his role in orchestrating the THB40 million New Year’s light show, which may have violated purchasing laws for officials.
Sukhumbhand will be charged with corruption related to possible abuse of power for ordering the over-the-top 2016 light show at City Hall, said the permanent secretary of the Interior Ministry, Krisada Boonraj.
It’s not the only time the governor has been criticized for questionable spending of public money. He’s also been scrutinized recently for possible overspending on a THB16.5 million sumptuous office redesign as well.
Krisada sent a letter to City Hall that referenced the Office of Auditor-General’s (OAG) decision on May 10. The result of that decision will be charges against the governor alongside 13 other city officials over the “Motif of Light” installation that lit up City Hall from December 30 to January 31. The project cost taxpayers THB40 million that may have also come out of emergency city funding.
Sukhumbhand called the light show a gift to city-dwellers and tourists for the holiday season, but the project was immediately controversial when it came to light that funds were improperly used and there were questions about the winner of the project bid, according to The Nation.
More than six companies purchased the city’s bidding documents for the project but only two bids were submitted, by Curio Tour and Travel Co and one other. The month-long light project was awarded to Curio Tour and Travel Co.
The OAG uncovered that some of that company’s staff were also members of the government committee responsible for selecting the contractor for the project.
The State Audit Commission (SAC) agreed with the OAG’s findings in the case and moved forward, with the SAC telling the Interior Ministry to authorize Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to inform all 14 city officials involved in organizing the event that they would face charges. The National Counter-Corruption Commission has also been asked to investigate the case for further wrongdoings.
The other officials to be charged are Pranee Satayaprakob, head of BMA’s cultural, sports and tourism department; Tawatchai Chan-ngam, director of BMA’s tourism department and members of the committee that wrote the terms of reference for the bidding process for the light installation project.
The members of that committee include Sirote Sangchanrern, Wattana Techasuwannna, Pongpun Thanyacharern, Morakot Bhumpanich, Sitthichote Apiban, and several private executives.
Related:
Bangkok governor faces allegations of corruption over THB40 million light show
Light of Happiness: Doubts emerge over Bangkok’s THB40 million light installation (PHOTOS)
Because we’re worth it: Bangkok officials defend THB40 million cost of City Hall lighting
Inside Sukhumbhand’s lair: Bangkok Governor slaves away in THB16.5 million luxury office
Sukhumbhand’s spokesman defends sumptuous spending on office redesign
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